2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Officially Revealed

We explore the seventh-gen, race car inspired Vette in-depth

The Corvette Z06 package lives on! Its official, Chevrolet will produce the legendary Z06 and Z07 packages on the all-new 2015 C7 Corvette platform. Packed with a supercharged, 6.2L LT4, which Chevrolet is claiming will produce 625 hp and 635 lb-ft of twist. That said, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is by far the most powerful Z06 ever.

The Z06 has long been a package offered on the Corvette model. Available in four of seven production generations, the Z06 package has always stood for power, aerodynamics, and increased braking. The main focus has been a track-ready car that comes with all you need to be a weekend warrior. We’re happy to report this next generation of Z06 Corvettes with an even more up its sleeve with the Z07 package will set the bar even higher. Make sure to read on to find out what you need to know down below!

All The Go, Flow and Shifting

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The all-new seventh generation Corvette (2015) will now carry the torch for the Z06 package. Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the C7 platform has been improved and will undoubtedly make the Z06 the most impressive version yet. Packing a supercharged LT4 with 625 hp and 635 lb-ft of torque on tap, the 2015 Corvette Z06 is an impressive force. The engine will breathe more efficiently due to a set of Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads outfitted with lightweight titanium intake valves. On the lubrication side, a dry-sump oiling system will keep the moving parts from generating too much friction. Expect a pump-gas friendly 10.0:1 compression ratio to help fuel the fire on forged aluminum pistons, while a stainless steel exhaust feeds fumes toward the rear of the car. Of course, to make sure power gets the ground, Chevrolet is offering up two transmission choices on the 2015 Z06: Either a seven-speed manual with Active Rev Match or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission (8L90).

Stopping Power

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The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will have Brembo brakes to handle stopping duties at all four corners. The Z06 will feature two-piece steel rotors 14.6x1.3-inch up front and 14.4x1-inch in the rear in combination with aluminum six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) fixed calipers.

Rollers and Rubber

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The chassis will roll on spin-cast aluminum wheels, also improved over the standard Stingray. The wheels will be wider, 19x10-inch up front and 20x12-inch in the rear and wrapped in rubber measuring P285/30ZR19 (front) and P335/25ZR20 (rear). On top of the Z06 platform, a more improved Z07 option can be added with more on that below.

On the Inside

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The interior of the Z06 package will continue the race-ready heritage, focused on aerodynamics and down force. The interior features a flat-bottomed steering wheel and magnesium GT seat or optional competition Sport seat. A removable roof panel will be the biggest change for the C7 Z06 over the C6 version.

From the Outside

The exterior of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will come with a front splitter and spats around the front wheel openings, which will help allow air to flow efficiently through the Vettes body. A carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent than the standard Stingray will allow the supercharged engine to breathe more efficiently as well. A rear spoiler from the Corvette Stingray’s Z51 Performance Package will be standard with the Z06 to help with down force. Front and rear brake-cooling ducts are functional on the Z06. Anticipate unique color schemes to be offered for the performance Corvettes (Z06 and Z07s).

The Z07 Package

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The Z07 package starts with improved brakes and tires. Chevrolet has added an almost unheard of, 15.5x1.4-inch front and 15.3x1.3-inch rear carbon ceramic-matrix brakes that are 23 pounds lighter than the standard Z06 rotors. Wrapping the wheels on the Z07 will be Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires. Additional changes to the Z07 exterior package will include a front splitter that features larger winglets and an adjustable (see-through) center section on the rear spoiler for those who plan to race their Corvette.

Carbon fiber Aero Package

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Additionally, an exterior package can be purchased on-top of the base, Z06 platform: The Carbon fiber Aero Package (CFAP). The CFAP features a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels, and larger rear spoiler that increases down force will be added to the Z06. The CFAP will also have the option for the front splitter, rocker, and spoiler to be painted in black or a visible carbon-fiber finish. Both the Z06 and Z07 exterior options will significantly increase the Z06 Vette’s aerodynamics.

Expect the 2015 Corvette Z06 to go on sale in early 2015. Check back often, we’ll have the pricing and performance numbers long before the car is for sale.

Check out the Corvette C6 GTR Carbon-Fiber Headlamps along with step-by-step installation instructions. Check out the details and pictures of the Specter GTR Headlamps as well as Specter's Z06 Fender Kit For Convertibles, all here at Vette Magazine. » Read More